The Large Münsterlænder

The Large Münsterländer is not a widespread breed of gun dog in Denmark. This is despite the fact that this German dog is devoted and easy to train. It shares its origins with the Small Münsterländer, but is not directly connected. However it does have links with the German Longhaired Pointer. Before the Large Münsterländer became an independent breed, the German Longhaired breed had both black and brown/white puppies. The brown/white breeds were approved as longhaired breeding dogs, while the black/white breeds became the breeding base of the Large Münsterländer.

DEERHUNTER

Black and white

In 1909, the German Longhaired Pointer Association decided that only liver-coloured puppies could be approved as longhaired breeding dogs. As a result, the black/white puppies were given away to local hunters who did not care as much about the colour. In 1919, a special club was established for these black and white dogs. Initially, they were not known as Large Münsterländers, but as black and white Münsterländer Pointers – hence the club's name “The club for pure breeding of black and white Münsterländer Pointers”.

DEERHUNTER

Larger and more robust

The work on the breed was intensified and in 1922 the formalised breed began, which later changed its name to Large Münsterländer. Like the other continental gun dogs, the "Large” Münsterländer works in a medium-sized search range – both on land and in forests. It is a sturdy and effective breed that comes into its own immediately after the shoot. Here these dogs make excellent retrievers, always showing great willingness and desire to carry out their tasks.

The Large Münsterländer is - as the name suggests - slightly larger and more robust than the Small Münsterländer. Males are 58-65 cm tall and weigh 23-32 kg, while bitches are 58-63 cm tall. The coat is smooth, dense and medium length. It is slightly wavy and usually white with black markings. The head must be black. The Large Münsterländer also makes an excellent family dog that is very child friendly. The breed falls under the relevant Danish club - Dansk Münsterländer Klub, which also covers the Small Münsterländer.

OTHER CONTINENTAL DOG BREEDS